The Bhagavad Gita is a sacred text in Hinduism. The Mahabharata, another sacred Hindu text, and the Gita are connected. The Mahabharata is a poem that explains the great battle for the kingdom of Hastinapura. The Bhagavad Gita’s is the dialog between Arjuna and Lord Krishna where Arjuna is asking questions to Lord Krishna. The answers Lord Krishna gives to Arjuna is the key concepts and wisdom from Hinduism. Throughout the Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1 and the rest of the chapters, Lord Krishna explains concepts of Hinduism to Arjuna. Bhagavad Gita’s Chapter one’s key points include the concept of Dharma, Karma, Yoga, attachment, Samsara, and more.
The Setting and Important Characters
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1 is called the Arjun Visada Yog. This opening chapter of the Gita introduces the setting for the rest of the book. It begins with an impending war between the Pandavas and Kauravas. (also known as the epic battle of the Mahabharata) It begins with Arjuna’s dilemma where he is deciding whether he wants to go to war with his family and cousins. Arjuna confesses that he doesn’t want to fight and possibly kill his family and friends for the sake of a kingdom.
The Pandavas are five brothers in the Hindu epic, the Mahabharata. The Pandavas are Arjuna, Bhima, Yudhishthira, Nakula, and Sahadeva. They are the sons of King Pandu and are all collectively married to Druapadi as their first wife.
On the other side of the battlefield are the Kauravas, the 100 sons of King Dhritarashtra. Both the Pandavas and the Kauravas are fighting over the kingdom of Hastinapura. This battle is what is depicted in the Hindu epic, Mahabharata, and is also the setting of the Bhagavad Gita.
Before this great battle between the Pandavas and the Kauravas, Arjuna requests to speak with Lord Krishna. Arjuna doesn’t want to participate in this battle, since it means killing his family. He is perplexed and decides to get guidance from Lord Krishna. Lord Krishna responds to Arjuna’s problem by mentioning that it is necessary for him to participate in this battle. He proceeds by mentioning why it’s important for Arjuna to be a part of this battle. This reasoning given by Lord Krishna are the key concepts of Hinduism.
Key points from Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1
Lord Krishna, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, guides Arjuna against leaving the battle. The role of Arjuna in the battle of Mahabharata is unavoidable. Throughout the Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1 and the rest of the chapters, Lord Krishna explains concepts of Hinduism to Arjuna as a response to Arjuna’s problems. In chapter one, Lord Krishna explains the following concepts:
1. The Concept of Dharma
Lord Krishna mentions that Arjuna’s duty, or his Dharma , is be an warrior and protect his kingdom. In this lifetime, Arjuna’s duty is to fight in this battle. That is his life purpose. Going against his Dharma, will be a sin and bring Karma to Arjuna’s life. Arjuna’s Dharma is to be a warrior in the great battle in Mahabharata.
2. The Concept of Karma
Lord Krishna explains the concept of Karma next. He says that a person’s Dharma is determined by their past life’s actions and their nature. Karma brings good events into their life if that person follows their Dharma. Vice versa, Karma brings bad events into their life if that person ignores their Dharma.
3. The Concept of Samsara
In order to be free of reincarnation, one has to achieve their Moskha. Following your Dharma and being free of Karma is one step needed to take in order to become free of reincarnation. Arjuna’s Dharma is to battle the evil and protect his people even if it means fighting family. In order for Arjuna to be from the cycle of birth, life, and death, he needs to follow his Dharma and participate in this battle.
4. The Nature of Attachment
Lord Krishna explains that there is much beyond this body. Although it is quite common for people to become attached to material things or other people in their life, it should not stop them from following their Dharma. Lord Krishna says that this is sending Arjuna to a path of delusion. There is much beyond this Physical body. Lord Krishna encourages Arjuna to not focus on the results of actions but rather on the work in the present moment.
5. Introduction to Yoga
As Arjuna is facing all of these conflicting feelings, Lord Krishna mentions Yoga as a solution. Yoga helps calm the mind and help others think rational thoughts. Yoga will help Arjuna find focus and remove attachment to material things. It will in turn help Arjuna make hard decisions and move towards Dharma.
